Dubai's Dance Studios: From Work Hustle To Dance Hustle

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Dubai's Dance Studios: From Work Hustle To Dance Hustle

9 Oct 2024

Dancing is not only about the movements matching the music — it is also the perfect sport. It burns on average 200 calories per session, clears the mind, and allows you to completely disconnect from the outside world. For the next 50 minutes, it is all about focusing on your body and memorising movements.

Dubai is an incredibly active city when it comes to work. For many, office life does not run from 9 to 6, but often from 9 to 9. Deadlines are tight, projects do not complete themselves, and those end-of-week reports definitely will not be submitted to the boss by anyone but you.

That is probably why the city is so energetic when it comes to sports too — it is a way to relieve the mind and body. But let us be honest, sometimes exercising is not as fun as it should be. After a long day, it can feel like yet another challenge. You are drained, and the last thing you want to do is drag yourself to the gym and run on a treadmill. But for me, there is a solution — dancing!

And here are my top dance studios in Dubai:

Contemporary Dance

Moova Space (Ladies only)

If you care not just about the training but also the aesthetics, then Moova Dance Studio is for you. Just a 10-minute walk from Burj Khalifa Metro, it is a pink paradise with cosy changing rooms and two dance halls where the lighting changes colour, perfect for creating unique content. They offer four styles: plasticity, twerk, girly hip-hop, and high heels.

Moova’s membership allows for unlimited classes, meaning on some days, you can attend multiple sessions, while on others, you can skip entirely. It encourages you to try different styles depending on your mood — on Monday you might enjoy a sensual plasticity class, while burning some calories with energetic twerking on Wednesday.

Photos: moova.space

T6 Dance Studio

The classes suit all levels, with most being open to beginners. For me, this is a great feature! If you are a beginner, you will feel comfortable learning in a group with a slower pace. Meanwhile, advanced dancers can move faster, fully engage, and leave sessions feeling completely recharged.

If you do not have time to attend classes with membership twice a week, T6 also hosts one-time dance workshops that last two hours, ensuring you have time to learn new choreography. Next time, I am definitely going to try Urban dance.

Ballroom Dance

Dance Studios Dubai

There is a premium studio in JLT, offering over 10 styles of ballroom dance. It is spacious, bright, and filled with Latin tracks that make you want to samba across the floor. The studio provides three ballroom directions: Latin Ballroom (like Samba or Rumba), Standard Ballroom (like Tango or Quickstep), and Social Ballroom (like Salsa or Bachata).

The personalised approach is key here — the first lesson is always one-on-one with the coach to find a comfortable pace for you and your partner. During the lesson, the coach explains the basics and designs a custom programm based on your budget, dance level, and schedule.

Source: dancestudiosdubai.com

James & Alex Dance Studios

If you have been dreaming of trying Zumba or learning some Samba moves but cannot convince your partner to come along, this studio is perfect for you. It is located in Media City and is open to all ages. The classes not only help develop rhythm but also focus on fitness, starting with a 15-minute warm-up for all muscle groups.

Ballet

Rose Ballet

For many, ballet was once an unreachable childhood dream, but now it can be a reality. Used to be a fan of Street Dance and Step Up (just like me)? Dreamed of learning the difference between passé and relevé? Then this is for you!

This cosy little studio, located in Festival City and Arabian Ranches, promises a personalised approach. The great thing is that over six months, professional instructors not only teach ballet basics but also prepare students for performances. Having a clear goal and motivation is half the battle!

Photo: Rose Ballet

Overall, Dubai is a city full of variety. So do not make excuses. Think about which style suits you best and come to a trial class. Those who try dancing even once often stay with it forever!

by Barbara Yakimchuk